Speed-watching should soon be set up on the Netflix streaming platform. An option that puts filmmakers and other artists in trouble.
What is speed-watching?
Speed-watching is the act of watching a video faster, in a time-lapse way. A new feature that is appearing on Netflix. It will therefore allow subscribers to read movies and series faster. It is already well present on the web, starting with the YouTube platform, which offers to watch videos in slow motion or in accelerated (up to x2). Regarding Netflix, this option is currently available since August 1 according to TheVerge on the application of the platform of the Android version. However, it should extend in the coming weeks to all mobiles (including iOS). The button is placed at the language and subtitle settings and allows you to slow down to x0.5 or x0.75 as well as speed up to x1.25 or x1.5. Fans who already use binge-watching will be delighted, since they will be able to know the outcome of the series more quickly. However, this way of changing the rhythm of audiovisual works does not please everyone.
Why is this option controversial?
This option is definitely not unanimous. When Netflix announced at the end of 2019 a test on time-lapse readings, many figures of Hollywood cinema had expressed themselves on the networks to express their anger. They fear, indeed, that their creations will be completely distorted by this feature. Directors Judd Apatow (40 years old still flea), Brad Bird (The Incredibles) or Peyton Reed (Ant-Man) had tweeted at the time to try to reason the streaming giant not to offer speed-watching to subscribers. https://twitter.com/BradBirdA113/status/1188837237967900672 Still, speed watching could be very useful. Slowing down reading time could benefit people with visual or hearing disabilities. The understanding of the films would indeed be more optimal. It remains to be seen how this will develop in the coming months…
